In the morning as I brushed my teeth I vowed to mark the day by valiant ways: To rescue orphans, open up a shop, Write that novel, win that maiden’s heart, Climb that hill, convince a bitter friend Of God’s wide mercy, till the soil, plant The choicest vegetables, grill meat Upon an open flame. In short, Engage in derring-do, And leave upon the earth a healthy brand. Instead I shuffled off toward my job
Wage servants sit glued to the glowing Of the monitors, manipulating Electrons of Industry. Inside, spleen gives way to toxins Untouched by liver, imbibed After terms of indenture. In deeper, indivisible selves wither, Except for the few that forge fearsomeness there.